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Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips |
2014-08-18, 11:38am
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Junior Member
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Join Date: Mar 22, 2007
Location: Scituate MA
Posts: 3
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Kiln recommendation
In May of this year my awesome Paragon kiln broke. Customer Service suggested I replace the thermocouple and digital controller. I asked if they could recommend a kiln repair service close by. Paragon could not. I bought the almost $400. suggested parts and shipping and paid an electrician several hundred dollars to install. Btw - the electrician told me the thermocouple did not have to be replaced. The kiln worked for 3 firings now does not. I have spoken to several of their tech support people over the past month and issues are still unresolved. I have called Paragon wishing to speak to an engineer on the advice of a Paragon distributor. Paragon is blocking this effort.
I am looking for a kiln of comparable quality. 120 volt 18 amp. 8x11 interior. I do lamp work. Recommendations please?
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2014-08-18, 12:17pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 14, 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 2,366
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You could try pm'ing Arnold Howard. He's a member here and owns Paragon. He's helped me/others in the past, and maybe contacting him might help get the problem resolved.
Otherwise, Glass Hive kilns have a good reputation, but I don't have one so can't speak from experience.
Good luck,
Mimi
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2014-08-18, 12:27pm
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Member
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Join Date: Jul 20, 2008
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 77
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I have a Glass Hive and have been very pleased with its performance and the company's service and responsiveness. After owning the kiln for about 2 years, I found that the actual temperature was about 50 to 75 degrees hotter than the thermocouple read. Glass Hive gave me several suggestions and, when they didn't work, they sent a new thermocouple, which solved the problem, at no charge. The only thing I have noticed is that the exterior of the kiln gets hotter than I would have expected (uncomfortable to touch more than a few seconds).
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2014-08-18, 12:56pm
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 01, 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 7,458
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Love my Glasshive, love the service. It made a noise and started dropping temp Saturday night (so sad) and after a phone call this morning, replacement parts are on the way, free and totally under warranty.
(It's sitting next to my Paragon, which also had to be fixed by ordering new parts and rocks.)
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2014-08-18, 1:25pm
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A True Woofer
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Join Date: Jun 13, 2005
Location: the land of nod
Posts: 3,895
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Hi Marj!
I also have a glass hive annealer and I love it.
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Ellen
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2014-08-18, 2:05pm
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da General
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Join Date: Oct 05, 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 13,002
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Another vote for a Glass Hive especially after your trouble with Paragon. There is something to say for having the guy who built your kiln just a phone call away. Kilns do need maintenance - relays, heating elements, and thermo couple do not last forever and do require replacing at some point. Pam and Mike are the best in customer service in the industry, extremely responsive, and will work you through everything over the phone if needed!
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Hayley
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2014-08-19, 5:21am
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 13, 2007
Posts: 43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marj
In May of this year my awesome Paragon kiln broke. Customer Service suggested I replace the thermocouple and digital controller. I asked if they could recommend a kiln repair service close by. Paragon could not. I bought the almost $400. suggested parts and shipping and paid an electrician several hundred dollars to install. Btw - the electrician told me the thermocouple did not have to be replaced. The kiln worked for 3 firings now does not. I have spoken to several of their tech support people over the past month and issues are still unresolved. I have called Paragon wishing to speak to an engineer on the advice of a Paragon distributor. Paragon is blocking this effort.
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Marj, I'm very sorry you are having problems with your Paragon kiln. What model is it? Please describe what the kiln is doing.
Bud and Dave, our engineers, are swamped right now. But I am happy to help you. If I don't know the answer to your kiln problem, I will ask Dave for advice. Kilns are very simple, but sometimes it takes a little detective work to diagnose a problem without being in front of the kiln.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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2014-08-19, 5:23am
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Member
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Join Date: Jun 13, 2007
Posts: 43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2xMI
You could try pm'ing Arnold Howard. He's a member here and owns Paragon. He's helped me/others in the past, and maybe contacting him might help get the problem resolved.
Otherwise, Glass Hive kilns have a good reputation, but I don't have one so can't speak from experience.
Good luck,
Mimi
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Thanks, Mimi! I don't own Paragon. I've been here awhile, though.
Sincerely,
Arnold Howard
Paragon Industries, L.P., Mesquite, Texas USA
ahoward@paragonweb.com / www.paragonweb.com
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2014-08-19, 5:42am
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jul 14, 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 2,366
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Oops, sorry , Arnold! But promotions are good...
Mimi
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